Flower Remedies
Flower remedies represent a combination of herbalism and homeopathy. Their main therapeutic effects are on the emotional level. Best known are the Bach flower remedies, originated by Dr Edward Bach, an English physician. In recent times, Australian wildflower remedies and Californian flower essences have also become available. These are sold mainly in health food shops and by various practitioners.
Flower remedies are best used together with appropriate affirmations. In clinical situations it is recommended to use a standard questionnaire for emotional to allow a more speedy and accurate selection of the appropriate remedies. This information may then also be used for other emotion-directed therapies. Of special significance is the Bach Rescue Remedy, which should be part of every first aid kit. Individual flower remedies may be combined for treatment according to symptoms. In selecting Bach flower remedies, it is recommended to combine no more than six different remedies. However, the Composite Rescue Remedy may be counted as a single remedy.
The usual dosage is two to four drops of the composite preparation in a teaspoonful of water at least four times daily, before meals and especially first and last thing daily. Hold this in the mouth and under the tongue for some time. Store remedies in a cool place.
In some cases, flower remedies may be taken for long periods for the treatment of chronic illnesses, while those for acute (short-term) problems are used only when the problem is noticed. These short-term remedies may be changed frequently according to changing moods.
Following is a quick-reference guide for the selection of Bach flower remedies.
Agrimony - suffering or worry hidden by smiling face
Aspen - apprehension, vague fears of unknown origin
Beech - intolerance, arrogance, tendency to be overcritical
Centaury - susceptibility to influence and exploitation, weak willed, timidity
Cerato - lack of confidence, doubt, constant requests for advice
Cherry plum - uncontrolled temper, desperation, fear of loss of mind
Chestnut bud - slow to learn, lack of observation, repetition of mistakes
Chicory - possessiveness, self-love, self-pity, attention seeking
Clematis - indifference, dreaminess, lack of interest
Crab apple - feeling of being unclean, shame, self-dislike; the cleanser
Elm - occasional feelings of inadequacy, too much responsibility
Gentian - discouragement, self-doubt, negative attitudes, depression
Gorse - hopelessness, despair, despondency
Heather - self-centeredness, love of talking, inability to listen
Holly - envy, suspicion, revenge, hatred, jealousy
Honeysuckle - living too much in the past, homesickness
Hornbeam - mental and physical weariness
Impatiens - impatience, irritability, mental tension
Larch - lack of confidence, expectation of failure, feeling of inferiority
Mimulus - fear of known things, shyness, timidity
Mustard - deep gloom or depression of unknown cause
Oak - onward struggle despite despondency/despair
Olive - mental and physical exhaustion or weariness
Pine - self-blame, self-reproach, guilt, false humility
Red chestnut - fear and anxiety for others
Rock rose - terror, panic, extreme fear
Rock water - self-criticism, rigidity, self-denial
Scleranthus - uncertainty, indecision, hesitation, lack of balance
Star of Bethlehem - after-effects of shock and trauma
Sweet chestnut - extreme anguish, hopeless despair, loss of faith
Vervain - over-enthusiasm, fanaticism, nervous tension, strain
Vine - dominance, leadership, craving for power, ambition, inflexibility
Walnut - helps in changes, link breaking, protects
Water violet - aloofness, reserve, pride
White chestnut - unwanted persistent thoughts, worry, inner mental arguments
Wild oat - dissatisfaction at not having found goal, uncertainty
Wild rose - resignation, lack of interest, apathy
Willow - resentment, bitterness, 'not-fair' attitude
Rescue Remedy (a composite of cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose and star of Bethlehem) - use for shock, terror, upsets, fright and accidents; give frequently in all emergencies, apply externally on wounds.
While the flower remedies are usually selected according to the problems you wish to overcome, you may also look at what you wish to achieve, how you wish to become. For this, you may use the opposite to the descriptions given for the various remedies. The keywords for the positive attributes we wish to acquire (with the negative aspects we wish to overcome in parentheses) for some of the remedies are as follows.
Attentiveness (being dreamy) - clematis
Certainty (indecision) - scleranthus
Courage (terror) - rock rose
Faith (doubt) - gentian
Humility (pride) - water violet
Patience (impatience) - impatiens
Peace (torment) - agrimony
Service (self-love) - chicory
Strength (weakness) - centaury
Sympathy (fear) - mimulus
Understanding (fanaticism) - vervain
Wisdom (foolishness) cerato
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